Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

There is one significant difference between the San Francisco 49ers front office and Brandon Aiyuk’s camp as the two sides start their negotiations for a new deal to keep the star wide receiver for the long term–his value.

Brandon Aiyuk wants to get paid big bucks

Aiyuk expressed this week his intentions to stay with the 49ers and sign a new deal. However, Aiyuk stated he believes he should be paid what he deserves. Aiyuk made it clear he deserves to be paid a lot because of the “value” he brings the 49ers organization for doing things the right way in the locker room and on the field.

Aiyuk agreed that he should be paid north of $30 million per year. That salary would make him one of the highest if not the highest-paid receivers—at least until the bills for Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase are paid.

The San Francisco 49ers want Aiyuk on a budget

Per Mike Garofolo with the NFL Network, the 49ers have made a “run” at extending Aiyuk this offseason. However, the 49ers and Aiyuk are “not close” to reaching an agreement. While Aiyuk and the 49ers want him there for the long term, the front office doesn’t think Aiyuk deserves to be paid like a top wide receiver in the league.

“But [Aiyuk] does love the 49ers, from my understanding, and he knows this is a team that is taking care of their guys when it’s their turn, and there’s no reason he feels like he shouldn’t be next,” Garafolo said.

“He believes he’s one of the top wide receivers in the league, so he expects to be paid in that realm. And the 49ers are not quite there at this point. So I think we’ve got some time before this one gets settled either way.”

Is Aiyuk worth elite money?

Pro Football Focus graded Aiyuk as the second-best wide receiver last season behind Tyreek Hill. Aiyuk recorded the seventh-most receiving yards in the 2023 campaign with 1,342 yards. He added seven receiving touchdowns. Aiyuk recorded 1,015 yards in the 2022 season when he played with three different starting quarterbacks.

Aiyuk has shown that he can be a consistent weapon for the 49ers. The 2020 first-round pick has lived up to his draft hype.

But is there a difference between being a top-tier No. 1 wide receiver and being an elite wide receiver like Chase or Jefferson? As evidenced by the deal they wanted to give Arik Armstead, the 49ers don’t have the money for the latter. Will Aiyuk accept the former?